OpenRocket wiki - User contributions [en]

Fin Sets Basics

2022-02-28T21:19:34Z

Neilw: /* Supported Fin Sets */

<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;"> ← [[FAQ|Go to Frequently Asked Questions]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Tips|Go to Tips and Tricks →]]</div>
[[Main Page|↑ Back to Main Page]]
</div>

----

== Supported Fin Sets ==

Fins serve to stabilize a model rocket while in flight, and to guide the rocket on a safe and an intended trajectory. Most rockets, without the stabilizing forces acting on the fins, would tumble in midair soon after clearing the launch guide. Aside from their aerodynamic factors, fins are often what gives your rocket the character that others remember.

<table class="left">
<tr>
<th>Component</th>
<th>Function</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.04.Body-Fin.Trapedoid.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Trapezoidal Fins:</b> So what's a trapezoidal fin . . . a quadrilateral having two parallel sides. Yes, but what it means to you is that the fin's root chord (the edge that's against the body tube) is parallel to the tip chord (the edge that is furthest away from the body tube). The leading and trailing edges can be at whatever angle or length you want and it will still be a trapezoid; in OpenRocket a triangle is considered a trapezoid too. OpenRocket allows you to change the leading and trailing edge angles and lengths quickly and easily. And, if you want, with the click of a button you can even convert trapezoidal shapes into freeform form fins for even more design flexibility. </p></td>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Trapezoidal_Fins.02.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><p>One thing to keep in mind as you design your rocket is that, if you are going to be flying at extreme speeds and velocities and intend to verify the OpenRocket simulation results using RASAero II, then you can only use a trapezoidal fin set.</p></td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.05.Body-Fin.Elliptical.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Elliptical Fins:</b> If your passion is competition flying, the elliptical fin likely will be your shape of choice. Essentially, an elliptical fin has the shape of a nose cone, oriented perpendicular to the body tube. Elliptical fins have the lowest induced drag because the shape of the fin keeps more of the fin’s lift force close to the body tube, where the fin is longer. And, just as you can with trapezoidal fin shapes, the click of a button converts elliptical shapes into freeform form fins.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Elliptical_Fins.01.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.06.Body-Fin.Freeform.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Freeform Fins:</b> What a freeform fin is almost speaks for itself. In the fin shape editor, on the left you have a table for horizontal and vertical points and on the right a grid. You can either manually type in the points or use a mouse and click on the grid, or both. The number of points (for all intents and purposes) is unlimited. You can essentially “put on paper” so to speak, whatever you can think of. And, <i>one of the best time-saving features, <u>you can import a fin pattern from an image file</u></i>.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Freeform_Fins.03.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.07.Body-Fin.Tube_Fin.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Tube Fins:</b> Generally speaking, tube fins are short sections of body tube that are glued around the main body tube, near its bottom. The maximum number of tube fins of the same diameter as the main body tube is six, but OpenRocket allows you to either increase or decrease the diameter of the tube fins (relative to the main body tube) so that any number of variations are possible. That said, support for tube fins is currently basic in nature, meaning that the edge of a tube fin in OpenRocket is perpendicular to the body tube (it has a flat end). Those curving shapes you sometimes see are not yet an option.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Tube_Fins.03.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Look closely at the tube fins and you'll see another new OpenRocket feature, the ability to have different colors (and decals) on the inside and outside of the tube fins. And, you can even choose whether the tube edge is the same color as the inside or outside of the tube fins.</p><p><i>Be careful</i> using tube fins, they are still classified in OpenRocket as expeimental; and OpenRocket gives you a warning to that effect in the display</td>
</tr>
</table>

== Limited Support and Unsupported Fin Sets ==

=== Ring Tail Fins ===

'''Warning:OpenRocket lacks native support for Ring Tails.'''

You can use an inner tube to model the appearance of the ring and calculate Center of Gravity, but it will not be factored into aerodynamic calculations (including the Center of Pressure), and ''therefore the simulation results will not be accurate.''

=== Grid Fins ===

'''Warning: OpenRocket lacks native support for Grid Fins.'''

Fins, generally speaking, are aerodynamic control surfaces. Where grid fins differ from other fins is that they are not essentially just flat surfaces, but more of a frame with a grid inside. Usually made of metal (such as aluminum), not only can grid fins be light, they can be very strong (the very thin, spaced grid surfaces don’t generate much drag). Although OpenRocket doesn’t support grid fins as a single component, the pod and fin set components can be used to create them.

The simulated results with grid fins have not been verified and ''should not be relied upon'' without actual flight test verification and Cd adjustments of your own.

----

<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;">← [[Body Components Basics|Go to Body Components Basics]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Launch Guides Basics|Go to Launch Guides Basics →]]</div>
[[Component Details|↑ Back to Component Details]]
</div>

Fin Sets Basics

2022-02-28T21:18:07Z

Neilw: /* Limited Support and Unsupported Fin Sets */

<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;"> ← [[FAQ|Go to Frequently Asked Questions]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Tips|Go to Tips and Tricks →]]</div>
[[Main Page|↑ Back to Main Page]]
</div>

----

== Supported Fin Sets ==

<p>Fins serve to stabilize a model rocket while in flight, and to guide the rocket on a safe and an intended trajectory. Most rockets, without the stabilizing forces acting on the fins, would tumble in midair soon after clearing the launch guide. Aside from their aerodynamic factors, fins are often what gives your rocket the character that others remember.</p>

<table class="left">
<tr>
<th>Component</th>
<th>Function</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.04.Body-Fin.Trapedoid.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Trapezoidal Fins:</b> So what's a trapezoidal fin . . . a quadrilateral having two parallel sides. Yes, but what it means to you is that the fin's root chord (the edge that's against the body tube) is parallel to the tip chord (the edge that is furthest away from the body tube). The leading and trailing edges can be at whatever angle or length you want and it will still be a trapezoid; in OpenRocket a triangle is considered a trapezoid too. OpenRocket allows you to change the leading and trailing edge angles and lengths quickly and easily. And, if you want, with the click of a button you can even convert trapezoidal shapes into freeform form fins for even more design flexibility. </p></td>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Trapezoidal_Fins.02.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><p>One thing to keep in mind as you design your rocket is that, if you are going to be flying at extreme speeds and velocities and intend to verify the OpenRocket simulation results using RASAero II, then you can only use a trapezoidal fin set.</p></td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.05.Body-Fin.Elliptical.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Elliptical Fins:</b> If your passion is competition flying, the elliptical fin likely will be your shape of choice. Essentially, an elliptical fin has the shape of a nose cone, oriented perpendicular to the body tube. Elliptical fins have the lowest induced drag because the shape of the fin keeps more of the fin’s lift force close to the body tube, where the fin is longer. And, just as you can with trapezoidal fin shapes, the click of a button converts elliptical shapes into freeform form fins.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Elliptical_Fins.01.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.06.Body-Fin.Freeform.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Freeform Fins:</b> What a freeform fin is almost speaks for itself. In the fin shape editor, on the left you have a table for horizontal and vertical points and on the right a grid. You can either manually type in the points or use a mouse and click on the grid, or both. The number of points (for all intents and purposes) is unlimited. You can essentially “put on paper” so to speak, whatever you can think of. And, <i>one of the best time-saving features, <u>you can import a fin pattern from an image file</u></i>.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Freeform_Fins.03.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:Components.02.07.Body-Fin.Tube_Fin.png|left|frameless|100 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><p><b>Tube Fins:</b> Generally speaking, tube fins are short sections of body tube that are glued around the main body tube, near its bottom. The maximum number of tube fins of the same diameter as the main body tube is six, but OpenRocket allows you to either increase or decrease the diameter of the tube fins (relative to the main body tube) so that any number of variations are possible. That said, support for tube fins is currently basic in nature, meaning that the edge of a tube fin in OpenRocket is perpendicular to the body tube (it has a flat end). Those curving shapes you sometimes see are not yet an option.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>'''[[File:Tube_Fins.03.Finished_Raw.png|left|frameless|720 px|center]]'''</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Look closely at the tube fins and you'll see another new OpenRocket feature, the ability to have different colors (and decals) on the inside and outside of the tube fins. And, you can even choose whether the tube edge is the same color as the inside or outside of the tube fins.</p><p><i>Be careful</i> using tube fins, they are still classified in OpenRocket as expeimental; and OpenRocket gives you a warning to that effect in the display</td>
</tr>
</table>

== Limited Support and Unsupported Fin Sets ==

=== Ring Tail Fins ===

'''Warning:OpenRocket lacks native support for Ring Tails.'''

You can use an inner tube to model the appearance of the ring and calculate Center of Gravity, but it will not be factored into aerodynamic calculations (including the Center of Pressure), and ''therefore the simulation results will not be accurate.''

=== Grid Fins ===

'''Warning: OpenRocket lacks native support for Grid Fins.'''

Fins, generally speaking, are aerodynamic control surfaces. Where grid fins differ from other fins is that they are not essentially just flat surfaces, but more of a frame with a grid inside. Usually made of metal (such as aluminum), not only can grid fins be light, they can be very strong (the very thin, spaced grid surfaces don’t generate much drag). Although OpenRocket doesn’t support grid fins as a single component, the pod and fin set components can be used to create them.

The simulated results with grid fins have not been verified and ''should not be relied upon'' without actual flight test verification and Cd adjustments of your own.

----

<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;">← [[Body Components Basics|Go to Body Components Basics]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Launch Guides Basics|Go to Launch Guides Basics →]]</div>
[[Component Details|↑ Back to Component Details]]
</div>

File:Mac22beta install installer window.png

2022-02-24T23:56:37Z

Neilw: Neilw reverted File:Mac22beta install installer window.png to an old version

File:Mac22beta install installer window.png

2022-02-24T23:48:43Z

Neilw: Neilw uploaded a new version of File:Mac22beta install installer window.png

Downloading & Installing

2022-02-23T14:00:16Z

Neilw: /* Overview */

Downloading & Installing

2022-02-23T13:59:41Z

Neilw: Reformatted table

Downloading & Installing

2022-02-23T13:38:17Z

Neilw: Bolded the packaged installer info to emphasize it even more.

MacOS

2022-02-23T02:58:10Z

Neilw:

== 2022 Beta Release ==
[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]

Download the above disk image file, saying yes to whatever security prompts your browser presents. Once the file is downloaded, open it up either using the browser's "Open" function, or double-click it in the Finder. This will mount the image and open up a window with a single icon. Then follow the instructions below.

NOTE: these instructions and screenshots are for macOS Monterey, but any recent-vintage macOS should behave similarly.

<table class="left" style="width:840px">
<tr>
<th>What you see</th>
<th>What to do</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_installer_window.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-left-click on the installer file to start the <i>instal4j</i> installation wizard</b>, displaying the progress of the file transfer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security_pref.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Open System Preferences and select "Security & Privacy"</b>, which will display the panel at left. <b>At the bottom right, click the "Open Anyway" button</b>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security2.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In the next security dialog, click the "Open" button</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_start.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td>After a brief progress window, you should at long last get to the installer. <b>At the first screen, click "Next >"</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_location.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select where to put the app. Normally the default "/Applications" is what you want. Click "Next".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_associations.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select whether you want this app to be associated with all ".ork" files.</b> <i>Note this doesn't work correctly in Beta1.</i> But it can't hurt to leave it checked. <b>Click "Next >".<b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_finished.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>You're done! Well, almost. Click "Finish".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_eject.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In a Finder window, eject the installer image.</b> You may then delete the installer image from your Downloads folder.
</tr>
</table>
You may now launch the app using any of the normal methods. Have fun!

== 2015 Version 15.03 ==
Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]

File:Mac22beta install associations.png

2022-02-23T02:24:44Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install eject.png

2022-02-23T02:17:42Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install finished.png

2022-02-23T02:17:21Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install location.png

2022-02-23T02:16:30Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install start.png

2022-02-23T02:16:12Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install security2.png

2022-02-23T02:15:52Z

Neilw:

File:Mac22beta install security pref.png

2022-02-23T02:13:48Z

Neilw:

MacOS

2022-02-23T02:13:22Z

Neilw: /* 2022 Beta Release */

WORK IN PROGRESS

== 2022 Beta Release ==
[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]

Download the above disk image file, saying yes to whatever security prompts your browser presents. Once the file is downloaded, open it up either using the browser's "Open" function, or double-click it in the Finder. This will mount the image and open up a window with a single icon. Then follow the instructions below.

NOTE: these instructions and screenshots are for macOS Monterey, but any recent-vintage macOS should behave similarly.

<table class="left" style="width:840px">
<tr>
<th>What you see</th>
<th>What to do</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_installer_window.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-left-click on the installer file to start the <i>instal4j</i> installation wizard</b>, displaying the progress of the file transfer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security_pref.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Open System Preferences and select "Security & Privacy"</b>, which will display the panel at left. <b>At the bottom right, click the "Open Anyway" button</b>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security2.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In the next security dialog, click the "Open" button</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_start.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td>After a brief progress window, you should at long last get to the installer. <b>At the first screen, click "Next >"</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_location.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select where to put the app. Normally the default "/Applications" is what you want. Click "Next".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_associations.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select whether you want this app to be associated with all ".ork" files.</b> <i>Note this doesn't work correctly in Beta1.</i> But it can't hurt to leave it checked. <b>Click "Next >".<b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_finished.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>You're done! Well, almost. Click "Finish".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_eject.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In a Finder window, eject the installer image.</b> You may then delete the installer image from your Downloads folder.
</tr>
</table>
You may now launch the app using any of the normal methods. Have fun!

== 2015 Version 15.03 ==
Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]

File:Mac22beta install security1.png

2022-02-23T02:12:12Z

Neilw:

MacOS

2022-02-23T02:11:42Z

Neilw: /* 2022 Beta Release */

WORK IN PROGRESS

== 2022 Beta Release ==
[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]

Download the above disk image file, saying yes to whatever security prompts your browser presents. Once the file is downloaded, open it up either using the browser's "Open" function, or double-click it in the Finder. This will mount the image and open up a window with a single icon. Then follow the instructions below.

NOTE: these instructions and screenshots are for macOS Monterey, but any recent-vintage macOS should behave similarly.

<table class="left" style="width:840px">
<tr>
<th>What you see</th>
<th>What to do</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_installer_window.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-left-click on the installer file to start the <i>instal4j</i> installation wizard</b>, displaying the progress of the file transfer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security_pref.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Open System Preferences and select "Security & Privacy"</b>, which will display the panel at left. <b>At the bottom right, click the "Open Anyway" button</b>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security2.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In the next security dialog, click the "Open" button</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_start.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td>After a brief progress window, you should at long last get to the installer. <b>At the first screen, click "Next >"</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_location.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select where to put the app. Normally the default "/Applications" is what you want. Click "Next".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_associations.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select whether you want this app to be associated with all ".ork" files.</b> <i>Note this doesn't work correctly in Beta1.</i> But it can't hurt to leave it checked. <b>Click "Next >".<b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_finished.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>You're done! Well, almost. Click "Finish".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_eject.png|left|frameless|200 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In a Finder window, eject the installer image.</b> You may then delete the installer image from your Downloads folder.
</tr>
</table>
You may now launch the app using any of the normal methods. Have fun!

== 2015 Version 15.03 ==
Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]

File:Mac22beta install installer window.png

2022-02-23T02:09:44Z

Neilw:

MacOS

2022-02-23T02:08:12Z

Neilw: Full Mac install instructions for beta

WORK IN PROGRESS

== 2022 Beta Release ==
[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]

Download the above disk image file, saying yes to whatever security prompts your browser presents. Once the file is downloaded, open it up either using the browser's "Open" function, or double-click it in the Finder. This will mount the image and open up a window with a single icon. Then follow the instructions below.

NOTE: these instructions and screenshots are for macOS Monterey, but any recent-vintage macOS should behave similarly.

<table class="left" style="width:840px">
<tr>
<th>Displayed Prompt</th>
<th>Action Required</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_installer_window.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-left-click on the installer file to start the <i>instal4j</i> installation wizard</b>, displaying the progress of the file transfer.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security1.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Double-click the "OK" button</b> in the security dialog.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security_pref.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Open System Preferences and select "Security & Privacy"</b>, which will display the panel at left. <b>At the bottom right, click the "Open Anyway" button</b>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_security2.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In the next security dialog, click the "Open" button</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_start.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td>After a brief progress window, you should at long last get to the installer. <b>At the first screen, click "Next >"</b>.
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_location.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select where to put the app. Normally the default "/Applications" is what you want. Click "Next".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_associations.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>Select whether you want this app to be associated with all ".ork" files.</b> <i>Note this doesn't work correctly in Beta1.</i> But it can't hurt to leave it checked. <b>Click "Next >".<b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_finished.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>You're done! Well, almost. Click "Finish".</b>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>'''[[File:mac22beta_install_eject.png|left|frameless|180 px|center]]'''</td>
<td><b>In a Finder window, eject the installer image.</b> You may then delete the installer image from your Downloads folder.
</tr>
</table>
You may now launch the app using any of the normal methods. Have fun!

== 2015 Version 15.03 ==
Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]

MacOS

2022-02-23T01:13:43Z

Neilw: /* macOS */

== 2022 Beta Release ==
<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]</p>

== 2015 Version 15.03 ==
Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]</p>

Downloading & Installing

2022-02-21T02:35:05Z

Neilw: /* Overview */

<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;">[[Introduction|← Introduction]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Getting Started|Getting Started →]]</div>
[[Main Page|↑ Back to Contents]]
</div>

{{UserGuideHelp}}

__TOC__

== Overview ==

OpenRocket is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. <u>The easiest way to get OpenRocket up and running is to download and install one of the packaged installers</u>. The Packaged Installers for OpenRocket come with everything needed. You <em>don't</em> need to install, update or downgrade Java on your machine to run them.

=== <u>Download Files</u> ===

<table class="left" style="width:720px">
<tr>
<th>File Type</th>
<th>OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01</th>
<th>OpenRocket 15.03</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><center><p style="color:red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</p></center></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Windows packaged installer</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01-installer.exe OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01-installer.exe]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03-installer.exe OpenRocket-15.03-installer.exe]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• macOS packaged installer</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket-15.03.dmg]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Linux packaged installer</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.AppImage OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.AppImage]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.AppImage OpenRocket-15.03.AppImage]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• .jar</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.jar OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.jar]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.jar OpenRocket-15.03.jar]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Source code (.zip)</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/archive/refs/tags/release-22.00.beta.01.zip OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.zip]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/archive/refs/tags/release-15.03.zip OpenRocket-15.03.zip]</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>• Source code (.tar.gz)</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/archive/refs/tags/release-22.00.beta.01.tar.gz OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.tar.gz]</td>
<td>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/archive/refs/tags/release-15.03.tar.gz OpenRocket-15.03.tar.gz]</td>
</tr>
</table>

== Installers ==

=== <u>Windows</u> ===

<p>Download the Windows installer for the version of OpenRocket that you want, then double-click on or open the file to run the installer, much like other Windows installers.</p>

==== 2022 Beta Release ====

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01-installer.exe OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Installer for Windows <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]

<u>''Special notice''</u>: At the present time, this installer does not create a shortcut on the desktop or the start menu. After installing, the executable file for the application (OpenRocket.exe) is located in the "C:\ProgramFiles\OpenRocket” folder. For easy access to OpenRocket in the future, you can open that folder in Windows Explorer, right click the "OpenRocket.exe" file (NOT the “OpenRocket.jar” file), and create a shortcut, pin it to the taskbar, and/or pin it to the start menu, as you wish.

==== 2015 Version 15.03 ====

[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03-installer.exe OpenRocket 15.03 Installer for Windows]

<U>''Please note''</U>: This installer <b><i>does not</i></b> provide a shortcut on the desktop or the start menu. After installing, the actual executable file for the application is installed into your user/AppData/Local/OpenRocket folder. Open that folder in Windows Explorer, right click the "OpenRocket.exe" file (NOT the “OpenRocket.jar” file), and create a shortcut, pin it to the taskbar and/or pin it in the start menu, as you desire, for easy access to it in the future.

=== <u>macOS</u> ===

Download the DiskImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, open it, and you'll see a big icon for OpenRocket, and a shortcut to your Application folder. Drag OpenRocket to the Application Folder, let it finish copying, and you're done.

<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.dmg OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 Application DiskImage for macOS <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]</p>
<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.dmg OpenRocket 15.03 Application DiskImage for macOS]</p>

=== <u>Linux</u> ===

Before beginning, you will need to have the FUSE filesystem installed; most distributions have it installed by default. Download the AppImage file for the version of OpenRocket that you want, and run it by double-clicking, or from the command line.

<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.AppImage OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 AppImage for Linux <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font color>]
<p>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.AppImage OpenRocket 15.03 AppImage for Linux]</p>

<i>Special note</i>: The AppImage is the preferred way to obtain OpenRocket for Linux, as OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01 requires Java 11 (LTS) and OpenRocket 15.03 requires Java 8 (LTS), neither of which is installed by default in most other distributions.

== Running a "JAR" File ==

Java is a programming language and computing platform that powers a large share of today’s digital world by providing a reliable platform upon which services and applications can be built. OpenRocket is one of these, and it will not function unless you have Java installed.

Java is enhanced to improve performance, stability and security of the Java applications that run on your machine, and a new feature-release is issued every six months. And, every three years, an issued release is designated as Long-Term Support (LTS) and receives quarterly security, stability, and performance updates only, meaning the version does not changed when updated. To ensure the broadest possible compatibility and stability of the application, OpenRocket is intended to be used with Java LTS versions.

The OpenRocket installers are packaged with the correct version of Java for the OpenRocket version being installed, such that everything that OpenRocket needs to function correctly is installed during the installation process; <em>the Java version installed on your device <b>is ignored</b></em>. So, the <u>easiest and most reliable way</u> to use OpenRocket is to <strong>skip the .jar installation</strong>, and, instead, <u>use the packaged installers</u> for your device. <b><i><font color="red">The use of a .jar version is not recommended</font></i></b>.

=== <u>2022 Beta Release</u> ===

Although Java 17 (LTS) was released in September of 2021, beta development had progressed too far to provide for its full compatibility. <u>The 2022 beta release of OpenRocket <b>requires the Java 11 (LTS) platform</b></u> to fully function correctly; OpenRocket 2022 beta releases are not intended to run with any other version of Java <em>at this time</em>.

# Download [https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-22.00.beta.01/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.jar OpenRocket 22.00.beta.01.jar <font color="red">(INACTIVE UNTIL RELEASE DATE)</font>]
# Copy it to a convenient folder.
# Make the .jar file executable (if needed).
# Start OpenRocket by either double-clicking the .jar file, or right-clicking the .jar file and selecting "Open".

You man also start the .jar OpenRocket from the command line, replacing "/path_to/" with the path to the .jar file on your system:
<pre>java -jar /path_to/OpenRocket-22.00.beta.01.jar</pre>

=== <u>Version 15.03</u> ===

<u>OpenRocket 15.03 <b>requires the Java 8 (LTS) platform</b></u>; OpenRocket 15.03 may not function correctly using any other version of Java.

# Download [https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/releases/download/release-15.03/OpenRocket-15.03.jar OpenRocket-15.03.jar]
# Copy it to a convenient folder.
# Make the .jar file executable (right-click on .jar file, select "Properties", go to the Permissions tab and check the "Allow executing file as program" box).
# Start OpenRocket by either double-clicking the .jar file, or right-clicking the .jar file, and selecting "Open with Sun Java6 Runtime".
If the default is set to open with the Archive Manager, then right-click, select "Open with other application", then select "Open with Sun Java6 Runtime", and check the box to make that the default. In future, it should be possible to just double-click to start OpenRocket.

Alternatively you may start OpenRocket from the command line:
<pre>java -jar OpenRocket-15.03.jar</pre>

Or, if you are not currently in the same directory as the .jar file, replace '/path_to/' by the appropriate path on your system:
<pre>java -jar /path_to/OpenRocket-15.03.jar</pre>

== Ubuntu/Debian Repository ==

''Note that if you install OpenRocket from a repository as in the following instructions, it will likely not work since it requires an older version of Java than is commonly distributed today. Our next release is targeting newer versions of Java, and hopefully this will become a useful approach to installing again at that time.''

If you are running a recent version of Ubuntu or Debian, then OpenRocket can be easily installed using the Ubuntu Software Center or Synaptic (etc.). Please note that the version in the distribution repository ''may not be the latest version''. Alternatively you may install OpenRocket from the command line:
<pre>sudo apt-get install openrocket</pre>

or

<pre>sudo apt install openrocket</pre>

To start OpenRocket, simply select it from the Applications menu.

----
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;">[[Introduction|← Introduction]]</div>
<div style="float: right;">[[Getting Started|Getting Started →]]</div>
[[Main Page|↑ Back to Contents]]
</div>

Downloading & Installing

2021-10-06T12:42:47Z

Neilw: /* Windows */